Connection for city’s creative writers

ALMOST five years ago Rebecca Fletcher was an arts student looking to join a local writers’ group.

Discovering Ballarat Writers, she connected with likeminded people and has since become the community organisation’s chairperson.

“There are always people looking for help with their craft, or getting started with writing,” she said.

“We’re a low-pressure, accessible and approachable group that welcomes anyone. If they think they might have a story in them that they’d like to get out, they should come along. Maybe we can help.

“It’s nice to have a group that encourages and supports people who write in all different ways, and ours feeds the passion of writers, or gives people the opportunity to take the step out and start writing.”

Every Sunday afternoon at Racers café, Ballarat Writers hosts casual Write Club meetings, attracting small groups to simply put pen to paper, explore and workshop ideas, give feedback or just have a chat.

“We’re there from 2pm until close, and the idea is to take some time out to come and sit down to write, rather than staying at home and just thinking about it,” Ms Fletcher said.

“Members will often swap material. We run two critique groups and have rules for giving feedback in a positive way.

“The club changes with the cohort, but our group at the moment is chatty and friendly, so it’s a nice social space as well.”

Ballarat Writers usually attracts around 100 official paid official members. These fees are “in support of the group.”

In 2021, about 80 people have already signed on, but people don’t need to pay to get involved.

“We’re going to hit the ground running this year. Everyone is welcome to come to our once-monthly members’ nights, where we usually get between 15 and 25 people, and sometimes guest speakers,” Ms Fletcher said.

“The COVID year has given us the opportunity to explore what else we can offer. We run critique groups, and we’re starting to look more towards panel discussion groups and broader literary engagement.”

Members’ nights are hosted at the Bunch of Grapes Hotel on the last Wednesday of each month.

Creatives can head to facebook.com/BallaratWriters to connect with the group or keep abreast of writing opportunities in the community.

“Our group is free-entry, there’s no commitment needed. Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter if the meetings don’t suit you,” Ms Fletcher said.

“Building a community of writers is important, and as Ballarat positions itself as a ‘creative city,’ it’s important for people to connect and feel like they’re a part of something.”

Full or concession members can respectively pay $30 or $20 annually. Federation University writing students’ memberships are free.

Visit ballaratwriters.com.